Delta Airlines Refund Policy: What You Need to Know

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By Elena Porter
Updated November 15, 2024 8:26 AM EST

Delta passengers can request a refund by simply filling out an online form after canceling their flight.

What's next when life throws a curveball and ruins your sudden travel plans? You can always count on Delta Airlines. Whether it's unexpected weather or last-minute changes, Delta Airlines makes it simple to request a refund—if you qualify under the eligibility criteria.

Here's everything you need to know to feel confident about securing a refund when you need it most under the Delta Airlines refund policy.

What is the Delta Airlines refund policy?

The Delta Airlines refund policy depends on your ticket type, how you booked, and when you made the purchase. If you're not eligible for a refund, you may receive an eCredit for future travel use.

Here's what you need to know about the Delta Airlines refund policy:

• Delta will automatically rebook you on a new flight if your flight is canceled or significantly delayed (3+ hours for domestic, 6+ hours for international).

• If you are not satisfied with the rebooking option, then search for alternative flights through the Fly Delta app or My Trips section.

• You can cancel the rebooked flight and get a refund for the unflown portion, plus any pre-paid seat upgrades, preferred seats, and checked bag fees.

• If rebooking isn't possible and no action is taken within 24 hours, a refund will be automatically issued to your original payment method.

• If you're downgraded involuntarily, you can request a refund for the difference in fare.

• You can request a refund instead of an eCredit if your flight was canceled, significantly changed, or delayed.

Read More: Delta Airlines Flight Change Policy: What You Need to Know?

Does Delta give refunds after 24 hours?

Yes, Delta fully refundable ticket offers full refunds within 24 hours of booking. If you book directly on delta.com or the Fly Delta app, you can cancel your qualifying eTicket within 24 hours for any reason and receive a full refund, with no fees, as part of their risk-free cancellation policy.

FlyO Tip: Basic economy award tickets are usually non-refundable and non-changeable. You can cancel for a fee in miles, with the remaining balance redeposited into your SkyMiles account.

What is the Delta refund ticket eligibility?

Delta refund eligibility depends on your ticket's fare type, purchase method, and booking date. If you booked directly with Delta, you may qualify for a refund if you cancel within specific timeframes.

Let's have a look at the eligibility criteria for different fare types under the Delta Airlines flight refund policy:

Refundable tickets

If you booked a refundable ticket, you can request a refund after canceling your trip. The ticket must be purchased with cash, check, or credit card. All refund requests require submitting an online form under the Delta refund policy.

For Delta refundable tickets, your refund will be credited back to the original payment method.

Non refundable tickets

The Delta Airlines non refundable ticket policy allows you to cancel and reschedule your trip within one year of the original booking date, depending on applicable waivers.

• Domestic travel: You must rebook and complete travel within one year.
• International travel: You must rebook to the same or another international destination and begin travel within one year.

Important Note: Basic economy tickets cannot be changed or refunded after the 24-hour risk-free cancellation period.

Basic economy tickets

Basic economy tickets can only be canceled or refunded within 24 hours of booking. After that, no refund is available unless you purchase travel insurance, which may cover certain cancellations.

After the cancellation fee is applied, the remaining value of your ticket will be issued as an eCredit. Generally, the eCredit expires one year from the purchase date, though this can vary based on the original ticket terms.

Award ticket refunds

Are Delta award tickets refundable? Depending on how you redeemed your DeltaSkyMiles for award travel, you may be able to reclaim your miles.

• Award tickets: If you used SkyMiles to fully cover your ticket, your miles will be redeposited into your SkyMiles account when you cancel.

• Pay with Miles tickets: For some Delta SkyMiles AmEx cardmembers, miles used to redeem a Pay with Miles ticket are non-refundable. Instead of miles being redeposited, you'll receive an eCredit for the ticket's value.

• Miles + Cash tickets: The cash portion is nonrefundable for Miles + Cash purchases, but the miles will be redeposited into your SkyMiles account if you cancel.

• Upgrade with Miles tickets: Miles used for upgrades cannot be redeposited unless the ticket is canceled within the 24-hour risk-free period.

Learn More: How to Cancel a DeltaFlight?

How to get a refund on Delta Airlines for flight cancellations?

The process for requesting a refund from Delta Airlines depends on when you make your request. This can be done either online or offline, as outlined in the Delta Airlines refund policy.

Online Refund Request

Before 24 Hours of Booking: You can easily cancel your flight and request a refund with no additional fees within 24 hours of booking. Follow these essential steps:

• Visit delta.com or open the Fly Delta app.
• Log in and select My Trips, or if you don't have an account, click Find Your Trip.
• Select the desired trip you want to cancel and choose Cancel Flight.
• Follow the instructions properly to submit your refund request.

After 24 Hours of Booking: After the risk-free 24-hour cancellation period ends, you'll need to use a different method to request a refund:

• Refundable Tickets: You can submit your Delta refund request by completing the online refund form on delta.com.

• Nonrefundable Tickets: You can use the same form to cancel your flight and request an eCredit.

You'll need to provide your first and last name and the 13-digit ticket number from your booking confirmation.

If you wish to speak to a live travel representative, contact our FlyOfinder reservations at +1-571-378-7016 for personalized flight bookings & assistance.

FlyO Tip: You can receive an eCredit instead of a cash refund for nonrefundable tickets, letting you use the value for future travel.

What are the refund options for delayed or canceled Delta flights?

Under the Delta Airlines ticket refund policy, there are various refund options for delayed or canceled Delta flights.

1. If your Delta Airlines flight is delayed or canceled, you can be rebooked or receive a refund for the unused portion. The Delta nonrefundable tickets may get an Credit.

1. If you're not satisfied with the new flight, you can:

• Search for alternatives through the Fly Delta app or My Trips.
• Cancel the rebooked flight and request a refund for the unused portion and any pre-paid seat upgrades or Preferred Seats.

1. If rebooking fails and you take no action within 24 hours, we'll automatically refund the unflown portion of your ticket to the original payment method.

Refunds are not available for:

• Delta Non refundable tickets are not affected by cancellations or significant delays (3+ hours domestic, 6+ hours international).
• Fully used tickets.
• Tickets are purchased via third-party travel sites.
• Refunds have already been requested.

To know about the status of your refund, visit the "Check Refund Status" page on the official website.

Also Read: Delta Airlines Sky Priority: What to Know

FlyO Tip: If a significant delay of more than 120 minutes impacts your original departure or arrival, you can cancel your ticket and request a refund.

Travel smarter with Delta Airlines refund policy

Travel plans can easily change in the blink of an eye, but with the Delta Airlines refund policy, getting back on track is easier than ever. Whether your flight is canceled delayed, or you need to make changes, Delta offers simple, hassle-free options. Refundable tickets are straightforward, and even non-refundable tickets may provide the flexibility for an eCredit for future travel. So, if your plans shift, you can count on Delta to guide you smoothly through the refund process.

For any help or refund queries, Contact FlyOfinder at +1-571-378-7016 to grab the best airline deals.

FAQ’s

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About the author

Elena Porter

Experiences life to the fullest through travel; Elena Porter has been a travel author at FlyOfinder since 2019. She has extensively explored the best of over ten countries, offering unique skills to guide readers in discovering the most remarkable places in each city. Ensuring to provide the best of each destination and make your travel unforgettable.